- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 8
- Reviews
Beautiful Hotel at Southern End of Ipanema
- March 23, 2009
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
After having spent much time researching hotels in Rio, I decided on the Praia Ipanema based upon amenities and location. It is a smaller, "boutique" hotel, but it is very modern and well-appointed. My room was beautifully furnished in a "Philippe Starck" kind of way, and it had a balcony with a view northward over Ipanema. Though the fitness center was antiquated and rarely used, there was a small pool with poolside lounge. The front-desk staff all spoke English and were very helpful, and the rest of the staff was also very nice though difficult to communicate with. One drawback to the hotel is its location. At the far southern end of Ipanema, it feels quite removed from Copacabana and the other central areas of Rio. Another drawback was the extremely poor internet reception, but the staff waived that charge. Overall, it was a great hotel.
World Traveler Opinion
- June 15, 2008
- Rated 2 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Staff was friendly, Hotel Desk Managers were arrogant and not helpful. Mistakes made on reservation after great effort made by Travelocity to confirm some minor requirements. Room pricing as compared to others would choose another hotel in future, as the value is just not there. Linen was worn and old, getting clean towels was like getting an inquisition. Rooms dated, small and Spartan feeling. Only thing this hotel has going for it is its balcony rooms. Having been around the world many times, I would not stay here again, nor would I recommend it to anyone.
Right on the beach but far away from all
- December 30, 2007
- Rated 3 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
I think the hotel was ok. The rooms are very very small. I would not stay here again. They say a five minute walk to copacabana, but it is more like 20 minute walk at least, which isnt that bad but we expected it to be closer. It is actually one block away from lebon beach and right outside of the hotel is this realy stinky water/sewage reserve.
The hotel was in a very very safe area. we were not concerned for our safety in anyway. The hotel staff was helpful but I felt like they were always pushing these outrageous trips on us. we paid 100 reais each for a soccer game where we were picked up in a bus and had to find horribe seats 5 hours before the game because there werent reserved seatings, and then to find out the the ticket only cost these bandits 10 reais!! i was soo angry. I think the guys at the hotel desk who sell you this stuff get an amazing commission. So, that was my only complaint about the staff. Other than that they just seemed worn down.
So all in all it was ok for the money, but i wish we had paid a little more and stayed more in the heart of ipanema. or paid the same for an even nicer hotel in copacabana. since they seem to be cheaper there since there are so many.
So good luck and have fun!!
Great hotel - would definitely come back there again!
- October 15, 2007
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
My husband and I stayed at the Praia Ipanema Hotel for 10 days. We loved it and would definitely come back again for future trips. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful -- we could tell they really try their best to make us feel welcome. The hotel itself wasn't the fanciest we've been at, but the rooms were very clean and well-appointed. The best part about the hotel is the LOCATION. It's right on Ipanema Beach (beachfront!), we could hear the ocean waves rolling in when we leave the windows open. My husband and I would order room service and eat while watching the ocean. It was like a dream come true. The hotel staff also provided free beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels for the guests.
Great Location at a Great Price
- June 15, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Staff are courteous/helpful and speak english well. Rooms are not huge but clean/comfortable w/ minifridge. Every room has balcony view of beach. Right on Ipanema/Leblon border. Beach towel, chair/umbrella service is free. Included breakfast is just OK. Numerous restaurants in area for all tastes/budgets. Great rooftop view with (small) swimming pool/bar. Not five-star (or for business), but everything you need to see Rio and bathe on beach. Best part was online travel website($*/night). Go in June/July; weather is still great, prices are lower, and you have beach to yourselves.